Leh has added a colourful new attraction to its tourist experiences with the opening of twin flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna. The two fields are at an altitude of around 10,600 feet, and more than 25 lakh flowers are planted on about 40 acres.
The fields were opened to the public on September 18, after their inauguration by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on September 17. The Ladakh administration describes the project as the world's highest-altitude twin flower fields and also the highest and largest flower fields in India.
The unusual sight of large flower fields against the stark mountain landscape gives visitors another experience to add to a Leh itinerary beyond monasteries, high-altitude lakes and mountain roads.
Where Are The Twin Flower Fields?
The two flower fields are located at Choglamsar and Stakna, both in the Leh region of Ladakh.
The fields cover around 40 acres and contain more than 25 lakh high-value flowers. This includes approximately 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus.
The project is being implemented as a high-altitude floriculture project in an area known for its cold desert and mountainous terrain.
The Choglamsar field was developed very quickly. Plantation began on July 16, and the first flowers started blooming in the first week of September, around two months after the project started.
At Stakna, almost 14 lakh Lilium plants were planted in August. Their first blooms are expected at the end of October, so the appearance of the two fields will change as different varieties enter their flowering periods.
Entry Fee And Tourist Access
The flower fields were opened to visitors from September 18, 2023.
According to information about the attraction, the entry fee is Rs 25 for adults and Rs 10 for children. The revenue we expect from visitors is to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens.
This makes the flower fields a relatively low-cost addition for travellers already visiting Leh.
The place is very special to visit. Bright coloured flowers are observed in the high-altitude landscape that contrast with the dry and rough terrain of Leh.
Travellers going to visit should also keep in mind that the two fields are at about 10,600 feet. Leh itself is a high-altitude place and visitors coming from lower elevations may need time to acclimatise before doing so.
More Than Just A Tourist Attraction
The twin flower fields are not being developed solely as a tourism project.
Ladakh administration and agricultural authorities view high altitude floriculture as a potential source of additional income for local farmers. This project will help to diversify agriculture in the Union Territory and commercialize high-value ornamental flowers.
The Choglamsar site is to be used as a demonstration and training centre. Through scientific floriculture, modern cultivation methods and post-harvest management, farmers and young entrepreneurs can be introduced.
Under the plan, the Agriculture Department will manage the fields initially before transferring them to self-help groups and cooperative societies during flowering. The groups are expected to get support in marketing their produce in domestic and international markets.
Participating cooperatives will be expected to take more responsibility for commercial cultivation, harvesting, and value addition the following year.
That could be a way to make the project more than tourism - it can help in the development of entrepreneurship and rural jobs.
Why Floriculture Is Being Promoted In Ladakh
Ladakh agriculture faces a lot of challenges in a high-altitude, cold desert climate and a short growing season.
The flower-field project is therefore presented as an experiment in adapting high-value crops to such conditions. Agricultural officials and agricultural experts in the project say commercial floriculture could provide another source of income along with traditional farming.
Lilium is particularly important to the project because of its commercial value. According to the information from the administration, wholesale prices for Lilium are about Rs 60 to Rs 70 per stem, though actual returns can be different because of variety, quality, and market conditions.
The Choglamsar field is expected to exhibit the cultivation of Lilium, Gladiolus, Tulips and other ornamental flowers.
If the experiment proves commercially sustainable, similar high-altitude floriculture projects could be developed elsewhere in Ladakh.
A New Experience For Leh Travellers
Leh is already known for its dramatic mountain scenery, monasteries, lakes and high-altitude passes. The twin flower fields provide a different type of experience of agriculture, tourism and local livelihood development.
The timing also gives travellers a chance to see the project in its early stages. Choglamsar has already produced its first blooms, while Stakna will see more flowers come in toward the end of October.
For tourists, the fields provide a new photography and sightseeing stop. A more important goal of local communities is to establish floriculture as a viable commercial activity.
The Ladakh administration's description of the sites as the world's highest-altitude twin flower fields is part of the project's official positioning. The fields are certainly located at an exceptional elevation of around 10,600 feet and are among the region's newest tourism attractions.
With more than 25 lakh flowers spread over two high-altitude sites, Leh’s new flower fields provide visitors with an unexpected contrast to Ladakh’s familiar mountain and desert landscapes and an opportunity to create new farming and livelihood opportunities in the region.
